Success for Banbridge and Enniskillen at Cúchulainn Initiative Blitz

The Ulster GAA Cúchulainn Initiative Blitz took place recently at Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt, bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds to engage in Gaelic games.

The initiative aims to introduce Gaelic games to students who may not traditionally participate in the sport while fostering inclusivity and cultural understanding.

The event featured both boys’ and girls’ competitions, with teams representing 18 schools across Ulster:

Boys’ Competition:

• Banbridge: Newbridge Integrated College, St Patrick’s College Banbridge
• Bangor: Bangor Academy & Sixth Form College, St Columbanus College
• Ballymoney: Dalriada, Ballymoney High School, Our Lady of Lourdes,
• Dungannon: Integrated College Dungannon, St Patrick’s Academy Dungannon

Girls Competition

• Belfast: Malone Integrated, St Colm’s High School
• Enniskillen: Erne Integrated College, St Fanchea’s College
• Lisburn: Forthill Integrated College, St Patrick’s Academy
• Limavady: Limavady High School, Limavady Grammar School, St Mary’s Limavady

After a day of competitive and enjoyable matches, the Enniskillen Cúchulainns triumphed in the Girls’ competition, while the Banbridge Cúchulainns claimed victory in the Boys’ competition.

In preparation for the blitz, Ulster GAA delivered ‘GAA Taster Sessions’ throughout February and March, reaching over 900 Year 10 and 11 students across 18 schools. These sessions introduced young people to Gaelic games and encouraged participation.

Additionally, ‘Getting to Know the GAA’ presentations helped promote a better understanding of different cultures, and highlighted how sport plays a key role in building a shared future, one of the core aims of the Cúchulainn Initiative.

Ulster GAA President, Michael Geoghegan, praised the enthusiasm of the participating schools and teachers:

“The Cúchulainn Initiative continues to demonstrate the power of sport in bringing the youth in our communities together, with the very positive outcomes of creating lifetime friendships.”

“I extend my congratulations to Banbridge and Enniskillen Cúchulainns on their well-earned victories and thank all teachers and Ulster GAA staff for their invaluable contributions to this initiative.

For more information on the Cúchulainn Initiative, please contact Elaine McKeown at elaine.mckeown.ulster@gaa.ie.